Friday, September 25, 2020

Morning Lions Links for Friday 9-25-20

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Rookie Jonah Jackson fitting right in on offensive line:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-rookie-jonah-jackson-fitting-right-in-on-offensive-line

Adrian Peterson is thriving, comfortable with sporadic role in Detroit’s backfield:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/adrian-peterson-is-thriving-comfortable-with-sporadic-role-in-detroits-backfield.html

At least there's this: Lions' Jack Fox is leading the NFL in net punting:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/at-least-theres-this-lions-jack-fox-is-leading-the-nfl-in-net-punting.html

Former Lions defensive tackle Snacks Harrison wants to play in 2020:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/former-lions-defensive-tackle-snacks-harrison-wants-to-play-in-2020.html

Lions' Desmond Trufant makes progress on hamstring injury, Kenny Golladay in line to start:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/24/detroit-lions-desmond-trufant-kenny-golladay-injury/3523179001/



Detroit Lions opponent Arizona Cardinals more than high-flying offense: 'They have some great players' on defense:  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/24/detroit-lions-opponent-arizona-cardinals-more-than-high-flying-offense/3518643001/




Detroit Lions film breakdown: What’s wrong with Jamie Collins?:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/24/21454242/detroit-lions-film-breakdown-jamie-collins-struggles

Roster moves teams should consider: Make Dobbins RB1 (Detroit Lions: Activate rookie Julian Okwara:  The Lions can't get a pass rush, so something must change. This season, they have allowed opposing quarterbacks the second-longest time to throw (2.96 seconds). Detroit drafted Okwara in the third round to help its ever-struggling pass rush, but he played just seven defensive snaps in Week 1 before being a healthy scratch last Sunday. Neither game was pretty in terms of a pass rush, and the Lions actually graded almost 10 points lower in Week 2 (58.4 grade) than in Week 1 (67.5), per Pro Football Focus. So why not give the young edge rusher another shot? I liked him at Notre Dame and thought he was athletic and quick off the ball, with good hand quickness and technique as a pass rusher. With all the issues Matt Patricia is having with this group, he's got to try something new. Keep it simple and get Okwara on the field to rush the passer.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/roster-personnel-changes-nfl-teams-should-make-right-now

NFL Rookie Rankings 2020: Week 2 (14. Jonah Jackson, G, Detroit Lions:  One of my favorite players pre-draft, Jonah Jackson has done exactly what I expected he would early in his career. Jackson consistently plays quality football. A bully in the run game, and a wall in the pass game, the Lions stole Jackson with the 75th overall pick. He may not have the physical ceiling to ever be a top-five guard in football, but he has the motor and play-strength to be a model of consistency for Detroit.  Pre-draft ranking: Top 50, iOL5):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-rookie-rankings-week-2-2020/2/

Trevor Lawrence Watch: What Every 0–2 Team Would Do With the No. 1 Pick (Lions: They are in Year 3 of the five-year, $135 million extension Matt Stafford signed in 2017. Detroit can get out of the deal after this year by incurring more than $20 million in dead cap space.  If the Lions get the No. 1 pick, then similar to Atlanta, they would probably try their best to perfect a transition from one of the best quarterbacks in franchise history to a younger player. Given ownership’s messaging heading into the season, the team would almost certainly be working with a new coach and general manager. Stafford is only 32 and could net the Lions an additional first-rounder in return.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/09/24/trevor-lawrence-watch-jets-giants-broncos-lions-falcons

NFL Week 3 Rookie Preview: Jags' C.J. Henderson faces a tough test on TNF, 49ers need more from WR Brandon Aiyuk (DETROIT LIONS @ ARIZONA CARDINALS:  If the Lions are going to dig themselves out of the 0-2 hole, they’re going to need serious contributions from their rookies, and quickly. Jeffrey Okudah got lit up for over 100 yards in his debut and could draw DeAndre Hopkins a good deal this week.  It’s encouraging that Matthew Stafford went back to D’Andre Swift often after his crucial drop at the end of the Bears game. He hauled in five catches for 60 yards last week against the Packers.  Of course, we have to talk about the superb performance from Jonah Jackson last week. He earned a 77.0 overall grade and has now allowed three pressures on 81 pass-blocking snaps this season.  Kenny Golladay is now back to the starting lineup, which means Quintez Cephus is likely to see a serious dip in his playing time after seeing 101 snaps over the first two weeks.  I also don’t know how much we’ll see of Cardinals first-rounder Isaiah Simmons in this one. After giving up three catches for 86 yards and two scores Week 1, the linebacker saw only seven snaps against The Football Team.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-3-rookie-preview-thursday-night-football

Power Rankings:


Predictions:

Week 3 (it's not done.  I still have more to add):  http://captainbluelionslinks.blogspot.com/2020/09/week-3-predictions.html

2021 NFL Draft:

College Football Week 4 Preview: Picks, predictions, matchups to watch and more:  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-preview-picks-predictions-matchups-to-watch-and-more

NFL draft: Top-tier SEC talent raises the bar for this week's prospects to watch:  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-toptier-sec-talent-raise-the-bar-for-this-weeks-prospects-to-watch-160428581.html



2021 NFL Draft: Can Rashod Bateman become the class WR1?:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-can-rashod-bateman-become-the-class-wr1/

Purdue WR Rondale Moore opts back in for 2020 college football season:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/24/rondale-moore-purdue-opts-in-2020-college-football-season-nfl-draft/

Ragin’ Cajun RB Elijah Mitchell leading the way for Louisiana:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ragin-cajun-rb-elijah-mitchell-leading-the-way-for-louisiana/
Posted by LionsFan at 5:32 AM 0 comments

Week 3 Predictions

CBS Will Brinson (Lions (0-2) at Cardinals (2-0):  Need to see what happens with Kenny Golladay, because he really makes a massive difference in how Matthew Stafford performs. I wouldn't count out the Lions winning this game, and I love the Cards. If Golladay is back, Stafford's aDOT goes way, way up and the offense starts clicking. Am I wish-casting my preseason Lions prediction and hoping they don't start 0-3, knowing that kind of hole is just too much to dig out of? Maybe. But I was in on the Cards before the season too, so I guess this is a win-win. Hearing Brady Quinn -- who will be calling the game -- talk about this makes me like Detroit a little more. It just feels like the Cardinals might not be ready to blow teams out in back-to-back games, although they're certainly getting the respect from Vegas.  The pick: Lions 31, Cardinals 28):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-3-picks-odds-rams-beat-bills-broncos-challenge-brady-and-bucs-panthers-upset-bolts/

SN Haislop (Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals (-6):  Based mostly on the incredible play of Kyler Murray through the first two weeks of the season, this game for the Lions has gone from winnable to challenging in a hurry. Detroit's defense doesn't have enough to slow down Arizona, which will put Mathew Stafford in more bad spots.  Pick: Cardinals 31, Lions 21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-2-cowboys-49ers-vikings-colts/2k5eq4c7oicb1dhmwjxhx1jxq

SN Iyer (Lions at Cardinals (-6, 54.5 o/u):  Matthew Stafford is doing his best to keep the Lions' offense together through injuries and personnel shakeups, but unfortunately the bigger problem is coach Matt Patricia's defense. Patricia can feel the heat of a must-produce season already. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are sitting pretty with Kyler Murray teamed up with DeAndre Hopkins under Kliff Kingsbury. Detroit will not stop Arizona while Stafford is put in adverse situations in this desert trap. Still, a Kenny Golladay potential return would make this interesting out of desperation.  Pick: Cardinals win 31-27 but fail to cover the spread.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-3-spreads-chiefs-cowboys-seahawks/7f3f89enwpst14doc5mnuzr81


CBS Prisco (Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals (-5.5):  The Cardinals are off to a great start and Kyler Murray is a big reason why. The Lions have been hit hard by injuries and have blown leads in both of their games. That won't be an issue here. I think Arizona scores early and often and gets an easy one.  Pick: Cardinals 35, Lions 27):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/pete-priscos-nfl-week-3-odds-picks-packers-over-saints-on-road-cowboys-cover-vs-seahawks-in-wild-game/


CBS Tom Fornelli (3. Lions at Cardinals: Lions +5.5:  It cannot be understated how large an impact the absence of Kenny Golladay has had on the Lions offense through two weeks. Last year, Matt Stafford threw the ball downfield more than just about any other QB in the league. Through two weeks without Golladay, that hasn't been the case. This season his Air Yards per attempt sits at 8.28, which is middle of the road. I know he can't wait to see Golladay running routes this weekend, and it's going to have a major impact on the Lions offense overall. This will be a shootout in the desert (I like the over too), and I won't be surprised if the Lions win outright. At the very least, they're going to cover. Cardinals 31, Lions 27):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-3-odds-picks-vikings-upset-titans-panthers-cover-despite-loss-of-christian-mccaffrey/


Walterfootball (Cards 30 Lions 23):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2020_03late.php

NFL.com Preview (All 6 pick Ari to win by scores of 41-31, 24-21, 31-13, 34-21, 28-20, 27-17):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-vs-cardinals-preview-week-3

USA Today (All 7 pick the Cards to win by scores of 34-27, 27-24, 27-19, 33-24, 31-21, 29-14, 24-20):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/09/24/usa-today-week-3-nfl-picks-predictions-chiefs-ravens-patrick-mahomes/3515000001/


NFL.com (Arizona Cardinals 30, Detroit Lions 28:  It's not a surprise that the Lions' defense is struggling under coach Matt Patricia. That's what they've done for three years, and injuries don't help. Neither does the fact that No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okudah doesn't look ready for prime time after being bullied by Aaron Rodgers a week ago. It is a bigger surprise that Matthew Stafford and the Lions' offense is so meh, although the return of No. 1 receiver Kenny Golladay -- if he is indeed a go on Sunday after missing the last two weeks with a hamstring injury -- should help. While the gap between these teams is not as big as their records indicate, it's hard to pick against the Cardinals in a matchup where Kyler Murray's arm should catch up to his legs.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-week-3-game-picks-jaguars-outscore-dolphins-ravens-nip-chiefs

NFL RealGM (Detroit Lions at Arizona:  Cardinals (-5.5): Significantly worse Cardinals teams than this one have beaten significantly better Lions teams than this year’s lifeless vintage. Detroit’s nonexistent defensive scheme will be lucky to stop Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins and the Cardinals offense from scoring on every drive. The Cardinals are a no-brainer survivor fantasy pick this week.  Cardinals 42, Lions 23 ):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3283/Football-Meteorology-For-NFL-Week-3

PFT (Lions (+5.5) at Cardinals:  MDS’s take: The Cardinals’ offense looks fresh and exciting, and the Lions’ defense looks stale. It’s hard for me to believe Kyler Murray won’t have a very big game.  MDS’s pick: Cardinals 35, Lions 21.  Florio’s take: The Lions won’t have to worry about blowing another double-digit lead this week.  Florio’s pick: Cardinals 31, Lions 21.):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/24/pfts-week-three-picks-11/

Guide to every Week 3 NFL game: Picks, matchup nuggets, more (Rothstein's pick: Cardinals 31, Lions 23.  Weinfuss' pick: Cardinals 38, Lions 21):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/viewersguide09252020/nfl-week-3-game-picks-schedule-guide-fantasy-football-tips-odds-injuries-more#detari

Detroit News (All 4 pick the Cards to win by scores of 31-20, 40-21, 28-24, 37-24):  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/25/detroit-news-predictions-lions-cardinals/3517019001/

NFL.com Cynthia Freland (She picks the Cards to win 28-21):   https://www.nfl.com/videos/game-theory-week-3-win-probabilities-score-projections-x9907

Athlonsports Prediction and Preview (Cards win 31-24):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-vs-arizona-cardinals-prediction-picks-2020


12NewsPhoenix La Fontaine (The Cardinals offense is going to be too much for Detroit. It would be very surprising to me if the Cardinals were held under 30 points. If Kyler Murray is smart with the ball, the offense should be able to move down the field at-will. The Lions will score some points, but it's not going to be enough. Expect a convincing win for Arizona to move to 3-0 on the year.   Arizona Cardinals 38, Detroit Lions 23):  https://www.12news.com/mobile/article/sports/nfl/cardinals/arizona-cardinals-vs-detroit-lions-preview-how-to-watch-prediction/75-2bec1c6e-941a-431a-b938-be16aa5cdc33


Five things to watch as Lions face Cards, look for first win (She picks the Cards to win 41-27):  https://lionslowdown.com/2020/09/26/five-things-to-watch-as-lions-face-cards-look-for-first-win/

Behind Enemy Lines with Cardinals Wire to break down Week 3 (Root picks the Cards to win 34-20):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/26/lions-cardinals-matchup-week-3-behind-enemy-lines/

Cards SI (All 3 pick the Cards to win by scores of 30-16, 31-27, 34-28):  https://www.si.com/nfl/cardinals/gameday/cardinals-lions-preview-matchups-injuries-predictions

SI All Lions (All 4 pick the Cards to win by scores of 37-27, 34-31, 37-17, 30-27):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-cardinals-nfl-game-predictions

O'HARA'S FINAL THOUGHTS: Golladay's value proven by his presence (Prediction: Cardinals 27, Lions 24.):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-final-thoughts-golladay-s-value-proven-by-his-presence

Non-Score Picks:

Athlonsports.com (All 3 pick the Cards to win):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/nfl-week-3-picks-predictions-2020


SI Picks (7 pick the Cards to win, 1 picks the Lions to win):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/09/24/mmqb-week-3-staff-picks

Radio.com (4 pick the Cards to win.  1 picks the Lions to win):  https://www.radio.com/971theticket/sports/gallery/radio-com-sports-nfl-week-3-expert-picks

ESPN (All 8 pick the Cards to win):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/picks


SI NFL Team Publishers Week 3 Predictions (15 pick the Cards to win.  3 pick the Lions to win):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/si-nfl-team-publishers-week-three-predictions

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Tom Silverstein (He picks the Cards to win):  https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/09/23/tom-silversteins-nfl-picks-week-3/3507102001/



Average Score Prediction (1607-1149/50):  Cards win 32-23.

93 pick the Cards to win.     5 pick the Lions to win.

Posted by LionsFan at 5:31 AM 0 comments

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Afternoon Lions Links for Thursday 9-24-20

Articles:

Lions WR Kenny Golladay clears another hurdle, could make debut against Cardinals:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/lions-wr-kenny-golladay-clears-another-hurdle-could-make-debut-against-cardinals.html

Ex-Patriots DE Jabaal Sheard reportedly visiting Detroit Lions:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/ex-patriots-de-jabaal-sheard-reportedly-visiting-detroit-lions.html

Lions QB Matthew Stafford remains even-keeled as losses mount and uncertainty grows:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/lions-matthew-stafford-even-keeled-as-ever-could-face-increasingly-uncertain-future.html




Ex-Lions DT Damon Harrison decides to play in 2020, getting interest from several teams:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/24/ex-lions-dt-damon-harrison-decides-to-play-in-2020-no-retirement/


Jeff Okudah Compared to Other Rookie Cornerbacks:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jeff-okudah-compared-to-other-cornerbacks

Matt Patricia or Bob Quinn: Who Deserves More Blame?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/polls/poll-who-deserves-blame-patricia-quinn

3 Keys to Victory for Lions against Cardinals:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-3-keys-to-victory-cardinals

Big Sean and Jeff Daniels Share Heartbreak Being Lions Fans:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/big-sean-jeff-daniels-share-pain-detroit-lions-fans


Stafford steady through Lions' rocky start: 'Doesn't mean I'm not pissed at times':  https://www.radio.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/matthew-stafford-steady-through-lions-rocky-start

The Cheat Sheet: Cardinals will attack until the Lions can stop it:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/24/21453209/cheat-sheet-lions-cardinals-scouting-report-2020

5 Questions with Revenge Of The Birds: Are the Cardinals pretenders at 2-0?:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/24/21453524/lions-cardinals-preview-5-questions-revenge-birds

Posted by LionsFan at 1:33 PM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Thursday 9-24-20

Articles:


Lions kicker Matt Prater ‘antsy’ for another shot after pair of long-distance misses:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/lions-kicker-matt-prater-antsy-for-another-shot-after-pair-of-long-distance-misses.html

Cardinals’ Kliff Kingsbury: The Lions haven’t changed their defense very much:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/cardinals-kliff-kingsbury-on-detroit-defense-it-looks-very-similar-to-me.html



Matt Patricia Is Not Surprised by Detroit Lions Slow Start:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/matt-patricia-not-surprised-by-slow-start


2020 QB Power Rankings: Goff, Allen rise (17. Lions:  Like Wentz, he's not necessarily the biggest reason for his team's failures, but he's also coming up short when he's needed most. Too many untimely mistakes have contributed to Detroit's largely hapless start, and unless wholesale staff changes are coming, a big turnaround might not be in order.  Last week: 16.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/week-3-nfl-qb-power-rankings-jared-goff-josh-allen-surge-into-top-10-as-carson-wentz-drew-brees-slide/

QB Power Rankings 2020 Week 3: Kirk Cousins, Carson Wentz free falling (11. Stafford:  In Week 1, Matthew Stafford threw a fourth-quarter interception that set up the opposition’s winning score. This week, Stafford threw a pick-six putting the Green Bay Packers up 17, a deficit the Detroit Lions couldn’t overcome. Typically, Stafford is a bright spot on this team. Right now, he’s a big reason for their defeats.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/qb-power-rankings-2020/

Monson: Rookie studs and duds following NFL Week 2 (Duds - CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, DETROIT LIONS (Week 2 overall grade: 28.6): Detroit’s Jeffrey Okudah also drew an assignment that likely had no winning outcome. Having missed opening weekend with a hamstring injury, Okudah got to make his NFL debut against Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers, each playing at the peak of their powers.  Adams put Okudah in a blender on a couple of occasions, with the rookie making basic technique mistakes with his eyes as well as just losing out to a top-quality route-runner. The hurt extended beyond Adams, however, and Okudah surrendered 121 receiving yards on seven catches from 10 targets into his coverage on the day. This was a true “welcome to the NFL, rookie” moment for the Lions’ top draft pick, but the good news for him is that it doesn’t get any tougher from here on out.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-rookie-studs-and-duds-nfl-week-2-2020

Here's why Eagles and Texans are the most likely 0-2 teams to make the playoffs (Brady Quinn also floated the Detroit Lions as a dark-horse candidate to turn things around after opening 0-2. Matt Patricia may appear to be a lame duck atop the staff in the general public, but Quinn thinks "they've got more (firepower) than most people realize."  "We know this," he said. "They can put up points."):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/heres-why-eagles-and-texans-are-the-most-likely-0-2-teams-to-make-the-playoffs/

Who Will Bounce Back From 0-2... and Who Won't? (LIONS - Why are they 0-2?  The Lions have had injury issues but after folding down the stretch in a stunning loss to the division rival Bears, they were torpedoed in the running game by Packers. That 0-2 divisional pit is going to be difficult to climb out of, especially if the Bears can maintain some stability. The Lions have just two sacks on the season and eight total quarterback hits, while only four players on defense have logged a tackle for loss.  Will they bounce back?  Maybe. I’m not ready to count out Detroit, especially with Kenny Golladay’s return imminent. This should open up the Lions’ offense enough to make them competitive once their schedule softens up. After their Week 5 bye, the Lions get Jacksonville, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Minnesota, Washington and Carolina in a row. This is a good place to stack some wins together.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/09/23/which-0-2-teams-will-recover-for-playoff-run

NFL's 0-2 teams: Who still has hope to save season? (5. Detroit Lions: So competitive with QB Matthew Stafford in the first half of last season, they've now lost 11 consecutive games – the past two with Stafford, including an ugly beatdown at Green Bay on Sunday. The return of WR Kenny Golladay, who led the NFL with 11 TD grabs in 2019, would really help – especially with the Cardinals and Saints up next. Detroit has several other good players, too, but there's no time to waste – especially with the NFC North rival Bears off to a surprise 2-0 start (including a Week 1 comeback at Detroit). Historical note: The Lions have started 0-2 under Stafford four times and never finished better than 7-9 in those seasons. Worse, this is the 24th 0-2 start in franchise history, and Detroit has bounced back to reach the playoffs ... once (1995).):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2020/09/23/nfl-0-2-teams-playoffs-eagles-vikings-texans-falcons/5867105002/

Adam Gase and Matt Patricia Locked in Tight Battle For Title of NFL's Worst Head Coach:  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/adam-gase-matt-patricia-worst-nfl-head-coaches-fired-01ejy7pc86f9

Power Rankings:


2021 NFL Draft:

NFL Draft Rumors & News: Who is the top draft-eligible defender in the nation?:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-rumors-news-pauline-top-defensive-player-2021/


Tate Martell again facing uncertainty in his college career:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tate-martell-again-facing-uncertainty-college-career/

Malik Cunningham raising NFL Draft stock in strong start to season:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/malik-cunningham-raising-nfl-draft-stock-in-strong-start-to-season/

Can UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton return to NFL Draft stage?:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/can-ucf-quarterback-mckenzie-milton-return-to-nfl-draft-stage/

Brevin Jordan’s YAC ability is part of what makes him special:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/brevin-jordan-yac-ability-part-of-makes-him-special/


Posted by LionsFan at 5:07 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Afternoon Lions Links for Wednesday 9-23-20

Articles:

NFC NORTH: Where each team stands 2 weeks into the season:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfc-north-where-each-team-stands-2-weeks-into-the-season


Detroit Lions get badly needed lift with return of Kenny Golladay to practice:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/detroit-lions-get-badly-needed-lift-with-return-of-kenny-golladay-to-practice.html

Detroit Lions are 6-point underdogs for Week 3 trip to face Arizona Cardinals:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/detroit-lions-are-6-point-underdogs-for-week-3-trip-to-face-arizona-cardinals.html

Lions still trying to find a pass rush with dynamic Cardinals QB Kyler Murray up next:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/lions-still-trying-to-find-a-pass-rush-with-dynamic-cardinals-qb-kyler-murray-up-next.html

Jonah Jackson leading way for Lions’ rookie class through 2 games:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/jonah-jackson-leading-way-for-lions-rookie-class-through-2-games.html


Can Shelia Ford Hamp's lifetime experience help turn around Lions?:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29945133/can-shelia-ford-hamp-life-experience-help-turn-lions

Lions signed center Marcus Martin and wide receiver Joe Webb to the 16-man practice squad:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/23/detroit-lions-practiced-squad-joe-webb-marcus-martin/


Lions and Texans Only Teams in NFL with No Forced Turnovers:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-texans-two-nfl-teams-no-turnovers

Lions - Packers Unsung Hero of the Week: T.J. Hockenson holds it down:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/23/21451864/lions-packers-unsung-hero-week-2-tj-hockenson

Detroit Lions Week 3 scouting report: The Arizona Cardinals are winning the arms race:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/23/21452207/detroit-lions-week-3-scouting-report-arizona-cardinals-deandre-hopkins

Power Rankings:

Posted by LionsFan at 1:33 PM 0 comments

Week 3 Power Rankings

Walterfootball (23.  Detroit Lions (0-2) - Previously: 29.  Underrated NFL Team: See why the Lions are an underrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpowerrankings.php

SI (25. Detroit Lions (0-2) - Last week: Loss at Green Bay 42-21.  Next week: at Arizona.   Matt Patricia and the rest of Patriot Midwest are desperately fighting to keep their tenure alive. Will a healthier roster lead to more success down the road, or is the team throwing away the last several prime years Matt Stafford has left?):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/09/22/nfl-week-3-power-rankings-seahawks-chiefs-ravens


PFN (26. Detroit Lions:  The Lions didn’t run the ball well and were without Kenny Golladay for a second straight week. Green Bay doubled the Lions point total, and Detroit now sits at 0-2. It feels like it is over before it got started for Detroit this year. Don’t forget – The Lions were winning 14-3 to begin this game.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-2020/

ESPN (27.  Detroit Lions(0-2) - It feels really strange putting a future first-ballot Hall of Famer in this category, but Peterson -- acquired two weeks ago -- leads the team in rushing yards and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He is going to get work every week -- although it'll often be in the form of a committee with Kerryon Johnson and D'Andre Swift -- and still seems have the burst to break off the occasional big run, like he did Sunday with a 25-yard run to the outside. Is he an RB1? No. Is he intriguing as a flex play or an RB play in deeper leagues? Absolutely. -- Michael Rothstein):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29938681/week-3-nfl-power-rankings-1-32-poll-plus-surprise-early-fantasy-finds

CBS (27.  Lions:  They've had a ton of injuries, which They've had a ton of injuries, which showed up in the loss to the Packers. But how long does Matt Patricia have to turn it around?):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-3-power-rankings-bills-rise-into-top-five-behind-josh-allen-saints-take-major-tumble/

MLive (No. 27 -- Detroit Lions (0-2): On the same note with Atlanta’s section, what else is there to say? Detroit has lost 11 games in a row dating back to last year, and remains unable to protect double-digit leads. The last four times the Lions have led by 10 or more points in a game? They’ve lost. Last week: 27th):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/09/mlives-week-3-nfl-power-rankings-detroit-lions-firmly-established-back-in-the-cellar.html

Fox News (27. Lions:  At one point in their game against Green Bay, the Lions held an 11-point lead over their NFC North rivals. However, everything unraveled from there. In the second and third quarters, the Packers scored five consecutive touchdowns and buried the Lions. Quarterback Matt Stafford threw for 244 passing yards and two scores in the loss. The Lions will travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals in Week 3.):  https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-power-rankings-2020-season

USA Today (28. Lions (23): They simply can't close, now the first team in league history to lose four consecutive games in which they'd held a double-digit lead.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2020/09/22/week-2-nfl-power-rankings-ravens-chiefs-packers-steelers/5861480002/


NFL (29. Lions:  The Lions have no idea how to close out games and it's going to get people fired. Detroit, which held a 14-3 advantage early in the second quarter against the Packers on Sunday, dropped its fourth straight game where it had a double-digit lead, a first in NFL history, according to Elias. The Lions now have blown seven double-digit leads in losses since the start of last season. Obviously, this is a poor reflection on head coach Matt Patricia, and the talk around his job security will continue to amplify with the Lions now riding an 11-game losing streak dating back to 2019. In fairness to Patricia, he continues to deal with injuries that are keeping some of his best players off the field on both sides of the ball. Still, the lack of urgency and discipline is hard not to trace back to the man in charge.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-a-new-no-1-steelers-seahawks-hit-top-5

Yahoo (29. Detroit Lions (0-2, LW: 25) - In the past five quarters, the Lions have given up 63 points. They allowed Aaron Jones to pile up 236 total yards on Sunday. They get the Cardinals and Saints, a couple of explosive offenses, next. Here’s where you can logically wonder if Matt Patricia’s defense has to show some progress for him to keep his job, but that assumes the Lions ownership is paying attention.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-behind-tooearly-mvp-candidate-josh-allen-seriously-the-bills-are-dangerous-034658616.html

PFT (30. Lions (No. 27; 0-2): The “reset” button is already blinking.):  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/22/pfts-week-three-power-rankings-3/

Sporting News (31. Detroit Lions 0-2 (30):  The Lions are really crumbling around Matthew Stafford as no Kenny Golladay has hurt and their defense is about to doom Matt Patricia.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-seahawks-steelers-bills-eagles-vikings/18h3qqsvbug2h1almqogjii2x7

AP Pro32 (30. Lions):  https://apnews.com/hub/pro-32

FTW (30. Detroit Lions (0-2) — Just fire Matt Patricia. This team isn't awful, but he's making them awful.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-power-rankings-week-3-high-jaguars-low-buccaneers

Athlonsports (31. Detroit Lions (Last week: 31):  We're in such a strange set of affairs in the world right now so perhaps the head coach firings won't come until as late as possible. But this miserable team looks like it is barreling towards a full house cleaning from top to bottom by the time the offseason rolls around.):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl-power-rankings

Touchdownwire (31. Lions - Give Matt Patricia this: The Lions’ head coach is now a part of NFL history. On Sunday, the Lions blew an early 14-3 lead to the Packers, and in doing so, became the first team in the 100-year history of the league to blow double-digit leads in four straight games (per the Elias Sports Buerau). Last week, they made Mitchell Trubisky look like Aaron Rodgers in the fourth quarter with their injured secondary and misbegotten man coverage. This week, Aaron Rodgers didn’t need any help looking like Aaron Rodgers. The Lions cashiered Jim Caldwell after the 2017 season because they were tired of 9-7 results. Patricia is 9-24-1 in his third season. Outside of Adam Gase, there isn’t a more fireable coach in the NFL right now.):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-power-rankings-injuries-ravens-seahawks-chiefs/


Average Power Rankings (504/18):  28
Posted by LionsFan at 10:20 AM 0 comments

Morning Lions Links for Wednesday 9-23-20

Articles:


Darrell Bevell says Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford has been 'solid'.  Here’s why:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/09/22/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-darrell-bevell/3498331001/






4 Takeaways from Bevell, Undlin & Coombs Week 3 Presser:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-3-takeaways-bevell-undlin-coombs

Detroit Lions coaches explain usage of Tracy Walker, Will Harris—and why it will continue:  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2020/9/22/21451630/detroit-lions-coaches-explain-usage-tracy-walker-will-harris

Grading all 32 first-round picks after Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season (PICK NO. 3: CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, DETROIT LIONS - 2020 overall grade: 28.6.  Put in a blender by Davante Adams for his NFL debut, Okudah received a true “welcome to the NFL” moment at the hands of one of the game’s best route-runners. Okudah surrendered seven catches for 121 yards, 51 of which came after the catch, on 10 targets.  Adams only did some of that damage, with Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard also beating him for catches. While Okudah certainly lapsed with some rookie mistakes, this is as hard as cornerback assignments get. To draw that as your debut task at this level is incredibly harsh. It's a tough lesson, but Okudah’s grade won’t stay this low for long.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-grading-32-first-round-picks-week-2-2020-nfl-season

2021 NFL Draft:

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 3 (9-22-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_03.php

College Football, Week 3: Best players of the weekend:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/best-college-football-players-week-3-2020/


Video:

Posted by LionsFan at 5:05 AM 0 comments
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